In a significant development within the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), party chief Mayawati has once again expelled her nephew, Akash Anand, from the organization. This decision follows just days after his removal as the chief national coordinator. The move coincides with Akash’s father-in-law, Ashok Siddharth, announcing his retirement from active politics, a step Mayawati had suggested could pave the way for Anand’s return to a party role. However, despite Siddharth’s retirement, Mayawati confirmed that Anand is now completely detached from the BSP and relieved of all his duties.
Mayawati’s decision to expel Anand underscores her criticism of Siddharth and Anand, with accusations that their personal and familial interests have overshadowed their commitment to the BSP and its Ambedkarite movement. She expressed skepticism over Siddharth’s delayed retirement, suggesting it indicated unchanged intentions, and questioned Anand’s dedication to the party. This latest expulsion follows a series of reversals for Anand, who was removed from his national coordinator role in May 2024, after controversy during the Lok Sabha election campaign. Although reinstated later that year, he was appointed again as chief national coordinator in May 2025.
Despite being groomed for leadership, Anand’s journey in the BSP has been tumultuous. He was initially appointed national coordinator in 2019 and was formally named as Mayawati’s political heir in December 2023. However, his recent expulsion comes as the party gears up for the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly election, during which he had been actively participating in rallies in Hathras and Gautam Buddha Nagar. Last week, Mayawati remarked that Anand still lacks the necessary maturity to handle significant organizational responsibilities, and she introduced her younger nephew, Ishan Anand, to senior party figures as part of the evolving leadership dynamics.
Amidst these internal changes, Mayawati, at 70, has reaffirmed her leadership of the BSP, countering calls within the party for a transition to younger leadership. She has committed herself to oversee crucial aspects of the party’s preparation for the upcoming 2027 elections, including candidate selection, campaign strategy, and fundraising efforts. Her steadfast leadership continues to guide the BSP as it navigates internal shifts and prepares for future electoral challenges.